From Insight to Impact: Fix Network’s Global Conference Unites Global Industry

May 22, 2025
The biennial conference brought together more than 200 franchisees, leaders, and industry experts in Mexico for a packed schedule of networking, sessions, and fun.

The 2025 Fix Network Global Conference marked another milestone in the network’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and growth across the global automotive aftermarket industry. Held in vibrant Mexico, the multi-day event brought together franchisees, leaders, and industry experts from across the world for a packed agenda of keynote sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and unforgettable networking moments.

Following the theme “Mission: Possible,” franchisees from Fix Auto, NOVUS Glass, ProColor Collision, and Speedy Auto Service celebrated the strength of their collective purpose and the power of connection across Fix Network’s global family of brands. 

“Every two years, the Fix Network Global Conference reinforces that we’re more than just a network — we’re a global community of entrepreneurs driven by a shared passion,” said Steve Leal, president and CEO of Fix Network. “The energy, insights, and inspiration exchanged here will undoubtedly shape the way we move forward together.”

Key Highlights from the 2025 Fix Network Global Conference: 

Steve Leal 
In his opening address, Leal shared the organization's strategic vision and the initiatives that propel its growth as a unified family of brands. He highlighted the power of collaboration across the global network, underscoring how collective efforts and shared goals are driving innovation and success throughout the organization.

Romain Grosjean – Motorsports Icon 
In a session filled with grit and insight, Grosjean explored the mindset behind high-stakes performance and resilience. His personal story of overcoming challenges both on and off the track encouraged attendees to view obstacles as opportunities and reminded them that perseverance is always mission critical.

Matt Havens – Leadership and Business Strategist  

Known for his engaging and relatable style, Havens delivered a dynamic session on building high-performing teams across generations. Centered around the concept of Mastering Simplicity, his session provided franchisees with practical tools to streamline communication, boost employee engagement, and elevate leadership at every level—empowering shops of all sizes to thrive in today’s evolving workplace. 

Leadership in Action: Navigating Change, Driving Innovation 
A dynamic panel explored how Fix Network leaders are turning challenges into opportunities through innovation, strategic thinking, and operational agility. The session featured Roy De Lange, head of business (Germany); Jeff Labonovich, vice president sales & operations (Canada); Travis Arnold, director at Fix Auto Malaga City (Australia); and Nicky Woerner, director of partnerships (U.S.). They shared insights on driving performance through operational excellence, embracing change to fuel growth, using EV specialization for competitive advantage, and staying adaptable in the face of market uncertainty.

Stefan Strähnz – Chief Programmes Officer, Audi F1 Project 

Strähnz offered a behind-the-scenes look at Audi’s entry into Formula 1, highlighting how strategic planning, precision execution, and long-term vision are driving their path to success. His insights encouraged franchisees to adopt the same level of focus and foresight when scaling their own businesses for sustained growth.

MORE: View FenderBender's Complete Photo Gallery of the Fix Network Global Conference

Behind the Headlines: States of the Automotive Aftermarket 

A media-led panel featuring Abby Bowman (AGRR Magazine), Darryl Simmons (Collision Repair Magazine), and Jay Sicht (FenderBender/Auto Body Repair Network) tackled key trends shaping the automotive aftermarket industry including technician shortages, repair complexity, and evolving consumer expectation.

Grant Cardone – Real Estate Investor, Equity Fund Manager & Co-Founder/Investor 
With his trademark energy and no-limits mindset, Cardone delivered a powerful session on scaling success. Drawing from his experience in real estate, entrepreneurship, and leadership, he challenged franchisees to reframe limitations, embrace bold growth strategies, and lead with certainty in times of change. His bold message challenged attendees to level up their vision and apply a 10X mindset to every aspect of growth and leadership.

Molly Bloom – Entrepreneur, Author, and Speaker 
Molly Bloom took the stage with a captivating story of resilience, reinvention, and personal transformation. Best known for her bestselling memoir “Molly’s Game,” Bloom shared lessons from her extraordinary journey — from Olympic hopeful to poker empire runner to federal indictment and comeback. Her insights on risk, adaptability, and owning your narrative deeply resonated with the audience and aligned perfectly with the conference’s “Mission: Possible” theme.

The conference wasn’t all business. Fix Network created unforgettable moments that brought the spirit of Mission: Possible to life. The week began with a beachfront welcome reception, where franchisees reconnected over music, local cuisine, and sweeping ocean views. A lively beach competition sparked friendly rivalry and energized the crowd, while the days that followed were filled with powerful sessions and purposeful connections.

The event culminated in a glamorous black-and-red themed gala dinner, where franchisees, partners, and leadership came together to celebrate a week of breakthroughs, unity, and future opportunity. Laughter, dancing, and heartfelt moments made it clear: the Fix Network family is ready to rise — together.

To relive the highlights and energy of the week, watch the official 2025 Fix Network Global Conference recap video here.

Fix Network looks forward to welcoming the global network back in 2027 for the next celebration of bold ideas, fearless growth, and global connection.

About the Author

FenderBender Staff Reporters

The FenderBender staff reporters have nearly four decades of combined journalism and collision repair experience.